Aztec social structure Flashcards
Alteplase
Each person would have their own Alteplase. People belong to a clan that’s called a calpulli. An Alteplase was like a city-state. The society living in an alteplase practiced its own customs and beliefs and played to their own patron god.
Codex
Each Alteplase had its own origin stories and recorded history in a Codex.
Nahuatl
A language some Aztecs spoke
Tlatoani
Every Multiple chooses a ruler, called a tlatoani, from one of its noble families.
Triple Alliance
The Mexica formed a Triple Alliance with Texcoco, Tlacopan, and Tenochtitlan, They had war with the other city-states. If alteplase was defeated by the army of the Triple Alliance, it was forced to pay tribute.
Pipiltin
The most important individuals governing the empire were the Aztec Nobility and the Piplitin. The Pipliting, the upper class, was the ruling class made up of nobles, high-ranking warriors, and high-ranking priests. Among the Piplitin, the emperor known as the Huey tlatoani was the highest-ranking noble.
Huey Tlatoani
The Aztec emperor was elected by the Council of Wise Men made up of the greatest warriors and the wisest priests. The Huey tlatoani was the representative of the god Huitzilopochtli and no one could disobey him
Commander of the Army
- The emperor’s job was to command/run the army, he had to have lots of
strategies and skilled warriors for himself - He had to know the strategy and how to lead others
Head of State
- Before the emperor could make an important decision he would have to call all
the nobles and discuss - In the end the ultimate decision was made by the emperor
Political System
- Often a son or nephew of one emperor would be elected as the next emperor
- However, the position of Huey tlatoani was not Hereditary
- The man had to prove to be a good leader
Tlatoque and Tecutin
- The Tlatoque ruled most towns and cities
- Tecutin ruled smaller areas
- They were responsible for keeping records of newly conquered lands, the tribute held in warehouses, and was owned
Who owned the land?
The nobility owned the land the commernors worked for the land
How much land did they have?
The amount of land that a noble family has is based on their status
What kind of life did they live?
They had luxurious homes and servants
What was expected from the nobility?
The nobility were expected to show people how to act and behave.
What did you have to do if you wanted to have a high status
If you wanted to have the highest status in the city, you have to be either the Eagle Knights and the Jaguar Knights
Priests
They were important advisers to the emperor. They studied religious calendars to determine which days would be lucky to engage in activities.
What could boys do?
Boys from all classes could study to become priests
What was the most important job for humans?
The most important job to offer human sacrifices
What power did the priest have?
If the emperor had a dream, the priest would tell him what it means
Commoners
Commoners were divided into 2 classes; Macehualtin and Mayeques
Macehualtin
The Macehualtin or middle class.
Mayeques
The Mayeques the lower class or peasants.